This paper investigates the composition of women's mentoring relationships. The traditional male mentoring model is rejected in favor of an alternative model that more closely reflects female mentoring relationships. The paper proposes that women's friendships may serve as a closer match to their mentoring relationships than the traditional male hierarchical model. Both women's mentoring relationships and friendships are examined for similarities and contrasts. Data were collected for 56 pairs of female mentors and female proteges. Relational ingredients considered in the analysis in the paper include relational adjectives (Collins, 1983), relational themes (Burgoon & Hale, 1984, 1987, 1990), emotional intimacy (Williams, 1985), and organizational communication support (Kogler Hill, Bahniuk, Dobos & Rounder, 1989). Relational outcomes were also examined such as feelings of support, happiness, respect, and professional advancement. The paper provides support for building an alternative model for women's mentoring relationships and expanding the study of these professional and interpersonal relationships. Five tables of data are included. Contains 37 references. (Author)